The Union of the People of Guadeloupe (UPLG), a political organization advocating for the rights and self-determination of Guadeloupe's population, held a General Assembly in Capesterre-Belle-Eau on Saturday. At the event, Jean Jacob Bicep, the national secretary of the UPLG, gave a speech outlining the group’s demands for Guadeloupe to take greater control over its political and economic future. The speech was later published by CCN - Caraib Creole News, a local news outlet focused on Creole-language content and Caribbean affairs. In his address, Bicep argued that Guadeloupe, which is currently an ultraperipheral region of France, must move beyond its current status and work toward becoming a fully sovereign nation. He criticized the existing arrangements, including proposals for greater autonomy, as inadequate and misleading. Bicep contended that true independence is essential for the island’s long-term development and stability, rather than relying on structures that maintain French influence over key areas like currency and foreign trade. Bicep outlined several steps he believes Guadeloupe should take to achieve this goal. These include gaining economic and food sovereignty, exiting the European Union to establish direct trade agreements with neighboring Caribbean and Latin American countries, and building democratic institutions that are directly controlled by the people of Guadeloupe. He also emphasized the importance of promoting the Creole language and culture, which he sees as vital to the island’s identity and unity. The UPLG reiterated its demand that Guadeloupe be placed back on the list of territories to be decolonized by the United Nations. Bicep called for a clear political strategy, including public education campaigns, forming alliances with various social and political groups, and engaging in international diplomacy to support the cause. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by Guadeloupe, such as poor infrastructure, high living costs, and the effects of climate change, while recognizing the resilience of its people and the efforts of workers and trade unions in addressing these issues. The UPLG remains skeptical of autonomy as a path forward, arguing that it is a tactic that shifts responsibility to local authorities while leaving key powers in the hands of the French state. The organization believes that true freedom can only be achieved through a balance of power and by actively exercising control over one’s own destiny. Bicep concluded his speech by urging the people of Guadeloupe to take responsibility for their future and to work toward sovereignty, independence, and a future rooted in their Caribbean heritage.